Electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus includes a display panel including a folding portion overlapping with a folding axis, a first non-folding portion and a second non-folding portion, a support unit including a first support portion arranged under the first non-folding portion and a second support portion arranged under the second non-folding portion, an impact absorbing member interposed between the display panel and the support unit and coupled to the display panel, an adhesive member coupling the impact absorbing member to the support unit, a receiving portion defined in at least one of the first support portion or the second support portion, and a protrusion connected to the impact absorbing member and received in the receiving portion. A planar area of the protrusion is less than a planar area of the receiving portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2019-0016264, filed on Feb. 12, 2019, the entirecontent of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure herein relates to an electronic apparatus, and,more particularly, to an electronic apparatus with improved reliability.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic apparatus may provide an electrically activated activearea to a user. A user may receive information through an image providedin the active area and/or may provide an input signal to the active areato control the electronic apparatus.

Typically, an electronic apparatus may display information and/or sensean external input in a designated screen. Recently, electronicapparatuses including flexible display panels and/or flexible touchpanels have been developed. Unlike a flat panel, flexible panels may befoldable, rollable, or bendable like a piece of paper. The flexiblepanels of which shapes can be variously changed may be carriedregardless of a screen size, thereby improving user convenience.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward afoldable electronic apparatus with improved reliability.

In an embodiment of the inventive concepts, an electronic apparatusincludes a display panel including a folding portion overlapping with afolding axis of the display panel, a first non-folding portion, and asecond non-folding portion, the first and second non-folding portionsbeing spaced apart from each other with the folding portion interposedtherebetween, a support unit including a first support portionoverlapping with the first non-folding portion and a second supportportion overlapping with the second non-folding portion and spaced apartfrom the first support portion, an impact absorbing member interposedbetween the display panel and the support unit and coupled to thedisplay panel, an adhesive member interposed between the impactabsorbing member and the support unit to couple the impact absorbingmember and the support unit to each other, a receiving portion definedin at least one of the first support portion or the second supportportion, and a protrusion connected to the impact absorbing member andarranged in the receiving portion. A planar area of the protrusion isless than a planar area of the receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member may include a pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA).

In an embodiment, the protrusion may have a circular shape when viewedin a plan view.

In an embodiment, the protrusion may be spaced apart from an innersidewall of the receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the protrusion may have a bar shape extending in onedirection when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the protrusion may be in contact with an innersidewall of the receiving portion in the one direction and may be spacedapart from an inner sidewall of the receiving portion in anotherdirection crossing or intersecting the one direction.

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus may further include anelastic member arranged in the receiving portion and interposed betweenthe protrusion and an inner sidewall of the receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the elastic member may have an elastic force higherthan that of the protrusion.

In an embodiment, the protrusion may be connected directly to the impactabsorbing member.

In an embodiment, the protrusion may penetrate the adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the support unit may further include a hinge portionoverlapping with the folding portion and connecting the first supportportion and the second support portion. The first support portion andthe second support portion may be foldable about the hinge portion.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member may be spaced apart from the hingeportion when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the impact absorbing member may be lower in elasticmodulus than that of the support unit.

In an embodiment of the inventive concepts, an electronic apparatusincludes a display panel including a folding portion overlapping with afolding axis of the display panel, a first non-folding portion, and asecond non-folding portion, the first and second non-folding portionsbeing spaced apart from each other with the folding portion interposedtherebetween and connected to the folding portion, a support unitincluding a first support portion arranged under the first non-foldingportion and a second support portion arranged under the secondnon-folding portion and spaced apart from the first support portion, animpact absorbing member interposed between the display panel and thesupport unit and coupled to the display panel, an adhesive memberinterposed between the impact absorbing member and the support unit tocouple the impact absorbing member and the support unit to each other,and a guide portion arranged on each of the first and second supportportions. The guide portion is spaced apart from the display panel andthe adhesive member when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the guide portion may have a bar shape facing an edgeof the display panel and extending in a direction parallel to the edge,when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the guide portion may have a shape which is spacedapart from a vertex of the display panel and is bent to surround twoedges of the display panel, when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the guide portion may be provided in plurality, andthe guide portions may be arranged along edges of the display panel.

In an embodiment, the support unit may further include a hinge portionoverlapping with the folding portion and connecting the first supportportion and the second support portion. The adhesive member may notoverlap with the hinge portion when viewed in a plan view.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member may include a pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA).

In an embodiment, the impact absorbing member may be lower in elasticmodulus than that of the support unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the inventive concepts, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles of the inventive concepts. Inthe drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating some components of FIG.2A;

FIG. 3A is a plan view illustrating an assembled electronic apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a component illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views illustrating an electronic apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ of FIG.5B;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views schematically illustrating a component ofan electronic apparatus according to some embodiments of the inventiveconcepts;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are plan views schematically illustrating some componentsof an electronic apparatus according to some embodiments of theinventive concepts;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views illustrating electronic apparatusesaccording to some embodiments of the inventive concepts;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating electronicapparatuses according to some embodiments of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts;

FIGS. 10B and 10C are plan views illustrating electronic apparatusesaccording to some embodiments of the inventive concepts;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the electronic apparatusillustrated in FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 11A to 12B are images showing portions of electronic apparatusesaccording to comparative examples of the inventive concepts; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B are images showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concepts now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments areshown. The inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms, and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scopes of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art.Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, orsubstrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can bedirectly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. Incontrast, the term “directly” means that there are no interveningelements. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. “Or” means “and/or.” It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including,”when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers,and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areused only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, orsection from another element, component, region, layer, or section.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussedbelow could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, orsection without departing from the teachings herein. Further, the use of“may” when describing embodiments of the inventive concept refers to“one or more embodiments of the inventive concept.” Also, the term“exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” anotherelement or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, oradjacent to the other element or layer, or one or more interveningelements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element or layeris referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”“directly coupled to,” or “immediately adjacent to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” andsimilar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms ofdegree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations inmeasured or calculated values that would be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the art. Further, “about” or “approximately” as usedherein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptablerange of deviation for the particular value as determined by one ofordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question andthe error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e.,the limitations of the measurement system).

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations and/or plane illustrations that areidealized exemplary illustrations. In the drawings, the thicknesses oflayers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Accordingly, variationsfrom the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapesof regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapesthat result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an etchingregion illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded orcurved features. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate theactual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit thescope of exemplary embodiments.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts will bedescribed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. Anelectronic apparatus EA may display an image IM in response to anelectrical signal. The electronic apparatus EA may include a displayunit DU and a support unit PT.

The display unit DU may include a front surface FS on which the image IMis displayed. The front surface FS may include an active area AA and aperipheral area NAA. The active area AA may be an area in which lightemitting elements activated in response to electrical signals aredisposed, and the image IM may be displayed in the active area AA. Theperipheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. Various kindsof signal lines and/or driving elements for providing electrical signalstransmitted to the active area AA may be disposed in the peripheral areaNAA.

The support unit PT may be coupled to the display unit DU to support thedisplay unit DU. The support unit PT may include a first support portionP1, a second support portion P2, and a hinge portion LP. The firstsupport portion P1 may be coupled to a rear surface of a portion of thedisplay unit DU to support the display unit DU. The second supportportion P2 may be coupled to a rear surface of another portion of thedisplay unit DU to support the display unit DU.

The hinge portion LP may be disposed between the first support portionP1 and the second support portion P2 and may connect the first andsecond support portions P1 and P2 to each other. The hinge portion LPmay support a remaining portion of the display unit DU.

Also, the electronic apparatus EA may be folded or unfolded about afolding axis FX, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the presentembodiment, for the purpose of ease and convenience in description andillustration, the electronic apparatus EA in an unfolded state isillustrated in FIG. 1A and an electronic apparatus EA-F in a foldedstate is illustrated in FIG. 1B.

The folding axis FX may extend in a second direction DR2. In theelectronic apparatus in the unfolded state, the folding axis FX may bedefined at a position overlapping with the hinge portion LP of thesupport unit PT in a plan view. In the support unit PT, the firstsupport portion P1 and the second support portion P2 may be fluidlycoupled to the hinge portion LP. In more detail, the first supportportion P1 and the second support portion P2 may be rotatable about thehinge portion LP.

In one embodiment, the display unit DU should have flexibility. Thedisplay unit DU may be folded or unfolded about the folding axis FX dueto the flexibility. When the electronic apparatus EA is unfolded orfolded, the shape of the display unit DU may be deformed bysubstantially the support unit PT.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. FIG. 2Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating some components of FIG. 2A. FIG.3A is a plan view illustrating an assembled electronic apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. FIG. 3B is across-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is aplan view of a component illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 2B illustrates across-sectional view of an embodiment of the display unit DU for thepurpose of ease and convenience in description. Hereinafter, anembodiment of the inventive concepts will be described in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 2A to 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display unit DU may include a displaypanel DP, a first adhesive member A1, an impact absorbing member ABS,and a second adhesive member A2.

The display panel DP may be a component which substantially displays theimage IM. The front surface FS may mean a front surface of the displaypanel DP. The display panel DP may be activated by electrical signals todisplay the image IM and may be variously embodied. For example, thedisplay panel DP may include, but is not limited to, an organic lightemitting display panel, a quantum-dot display panel, an electrophoreticdisplay panel, an electrowetting display panel, or a liquid crystaldisplay panel.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the display panel DP may include a base substrateBS, a transistor TR, a light emitting element EE, and a plurality ofinsulating layers 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. The insulating layers 10, 20,30, 40, and 50 may include first to fifth insulating layers 10, 20, 30,40, and 50 sequentially stacked in a third direction DR3 (e.g., thethickness direction of the display panel DP).

For example, the base substrate BS may include a plastic substrate, aglass substrate, or a metal substrate. The plastic substrate may includea resin. For example, the base substrate BS may include at least one ofan acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, polyisoprene, avinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, acellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin,a polyimide-based resin, or a perylene-based resin.

The transistor TR may be disposed on the base substrate BS. Thetransistor TR and the light emitting element EE may constitute a pixelPX. The transistor TR may include a semiconductor pattern SP, a controlelectrode CE, an input electrode IE, and an output electrode OE. Thesemiconductor pattern SP may include a semiconductor material. Forexample, the semiconductor pattern SP may include at least one of agroup 4 element, a group 8 element, or a metal oxide.

The control electrode CE may be disposed on the first insulating layer10. The control electrode CE may overlap with the semiconductor patternSP in a plan view and may be spaced apart from the semiconductor patternSP. The control electrode CE may be spaced apart from the semiconductorpattern SP with the first insulating layer 10 interposed therebetween.However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.In a transistor TR according to another embodiment, the semiconductorpattern SP may be disposed on the control electrode CE.

The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE may be disposed onthe second insulating layer 20. The input electrode IE and the outputelectrode OE may be spaced apart from each other when viewed in a planview. Each of the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE maypenetrate the second insulating layer 20 and the first insulating layer10 so as to be connected to the semiconductor pattern SP.

However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.In a transistor TR according to certain embodiments, the input electrodeIE and the output electrode OE may be disposed under the semiconductorpattern SP or may be disposed between the control electrode CE and thesemiconductor pattern SP. Alternatively, the input electrode IE and theoutput electrode OE may be disposed on the same layer as thesemiconductor pattern SP and may be in direct contact with thesemiconductor pattern SP. The transistor TR according to embodiments ofthe inventive concepts may have any one of various structures and is notlimited to a specific embodiment.

The light emitting element EE may be disposed on the third insulatinglayer 30. The light emitting element EE may include a first electrodeE1, an emission pattern EP, and a second electrode E2. The firstelectrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30 and maypenetrate the third insulating layer 30 so as to be connected to theoutput electrode OE of the transistor TR. Also, even though not shown inthe drawings, the display panel DP may further include a connectionelectrode disposed between the first electrode E1 and the transistor TR.In this case, the first electrode E1 may be electrically connected tothe transistor TR through the connection electrode.

An opening 40-OP may be defined in the fourth insulating layer 40. Theopening 40-OP may expose at least a portion of the first electrode E1.In the present embodiment, the fourth insulating layer 40 may be a pixeldefining layer.

The emission pattern EP may be disposed in the opening 40-OP and may bedisposed on the first electrode E1 exposed by the opening 40-OP. Theemission pattern EP may include a light emitting material. For example,the emission pattern EP may include at least one of materials capable ofemitting red light, green light, and/or blue light. In an embodiment,the emission pattern EP may include a fluorescent material and/or aphosphorescent material. The emission pattern EP may include an organiclight emitting material and/or an inorganic light emitting material. Theemission pattern EP may emit light in response to a potential differencebetween the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the emission pattern EP. Thesecond electrode E2 may be opposite to the first electrode E1. Thesecond electrode E2 may have a single unitary body shape in the activearea AA. Thus, the second electrode E2 may be provided in common in aplurality of the pixels. The light emitting element EE disposed in eachof the pixels may receive a common power source voltage through thesecond electrode E2.

The second electrode E2 may include a transparent conductive material ora semi-transparent conductive material. Thus, light generated from theemission pattern EP may easily exit in the third direction DR3 throughthe second electrode E2. However, embodiments of the inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first electrode E1may include a transparent or semi-transparent conductive material, andthe light emitting element EE may be driven as a rear surface lightemitting type. In still another embodiment, the light emitting elementEE may be driven as a both surface light emitting type in which lightexits through a front surface and a rear surface.

The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the light emittingelement EE to encapsulate the light emitting element EE. In the presentembodiment, the fifth insulating layer 50 may be an encapsulation layer.The fifth insulating layer 50 may have a single unitary body shape inthe active area AA. Thus, the fifth insulating layer 50 may be providedin common in the plurality of pixels. Also, in some embodiments, acapping layer covering the second electrode E2 may be disposed betweenthe second electrode E2 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

The fifth insulating layer 50 may include a first inorganic layer 51, anorganic layer 52 and a second inorganic layer 53, which are sequentiallystacked in the third direction DR3. In the present embodiment, each ofthe first inorganic layer 51, the organic layer 52, and the secondinorganic layer 53 is illustrated as a single layer. However,embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. Incertain embodiments, at least one of the first inorganic layer 51, theorganic layer 52, or the second inorganic layer 53 may be provided inplurality or may be omitted.

The first inorganic layer 51 may cover the second electrode E2. Thefirst inorganic layer 51 may prevent external moisture and/or oxygenfrom permeating into the light emitting element EE. For example, thefirst inorganic layer 51 may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide,silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The first inorganic layer51 may be formed by a deposition process.

The organic layer 52 may be disposed on the first inorganic layer 51 andmay be in contact with the first inorganic layer 51. The organic layer52 may provide a flat surface on the first inorganic layer 51. Forexample, the organic layer 52 may provide the flat surface in the activearea AA.

The organic layer 52 may cover a bent portion of a top surface of thefirst inorganic layer 51 and/or a particle existing on the firstinorganic layer 51, and thus it is possible to block the influence ofthe state of the top surface of the first inorganic layer 51 oncomponents formed on the organic layer 52. In addition, the organiclayer 52 may relax or release stress between layers in contact with theorganic layer 52. The organic layer 52 may include an organic materialand may be formed by a solution process such as a spin coating process,a slit coating process, and/or an inkjet process.

The second inorganic layer 53 may be disposed on the organic layer 52 tocover the organic layer 52. The second inorganic layer 53 may be stablyformed on the top surface of the organic layer 52, which is relativelyflat as compared with the top surface of the first inorganic layer 51.The second inorganic layer 53 may encapsulate moisture outputted orevaporated from the organic layer 52 to prevent or block the moisturefrom being provided (or escaping) to the outside. For example, thesecond inorganic layer 53 may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide,silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The second inorganic layer53 may be formed by a deposition process.

However, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.In another embodiment, the fifth insulating layer 50 may be provided asa single layer in the display panel DP.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the display panel DP may include a foldingportion FBP, a first non-folding portion NFP1, and a second non-foldingportion NFP2, when viewed in a plan view. The folding portion FBP mayoverlap with the folding axis FX (see FIG. 1A), and a shape of thefolding portion FBP may be deformed when the electronic apparatus EA isin the folded state. In an embodiment, when the electronic apparatus EAis in the folded state, folding stress including compressive stress andtensile stress may be applied to the folding portion FBP.

The first non-folding portion NFP1 and the second non-folding portionNFP2 may be disposed at both sides (e.g., lateral or opposite sides) ofthe folding portion FBP, respectively. The first non-folding portionNFP1 and the second non-folding portion NFP2 may be spaced apart fromeach other in a first direction DR1 with the folding portion FBPinterposed therebetween. The first and second non-folding portions NFP1and NFP2 may be connected to the folding portion FBP, and the first andsecond non-folding portions NFP1 and NFP2 and the folding portion FBPmay constitute a single unitary body shape (e.g., a single integralbody).

The impact absorbing member ABS may be disposed between the displaypanel DP and the support unit PT. The impact absorbing member ABS mayreduce the intensity of an external impact transmitted to the displaypanel DP through the support unit PT. The impact absorbing member ABSmay have a modulus lower than that of the first support portion P1 orthe second support portion P2. Here, the modulus refers to an elasticmodulus that is a ratio between stress and strain. Elastic moduli canbe, e.g., of three types, Young's modulus, Shear modulus, and Bulkmodulus, that specify how stress and strain are to be measured.

The first adhesive member A1 may be disposed between the impactabsorbing member ABS and the display panel DP to physically couple theimpact absorbing member ABS and the display panel DP to each other. Thefirst adhesive member A1 may have adhesiveness. For example, the firstadhesive member A1 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

The first adhesive member A1 may include a first adhesive portion A11and a second adhesive portion A12. The first adhesive portion A11 andthe second adhesive portion A12 may be spaced apart from each other inthe first direction DR1. The first adhesive portion A11 may couple thefirst non-folding portion NFP1 of the display panel DP and the impactabsorbing member ABS to each other. The second adhesive portion A12 maycouple the second non-folding portion NFP2 of the display panel DP andthe impact absorbing member ABS to each other.

The second adhesive member A2 may be disposed between the impactabsorbing member ABS and the support unit PT to physically couple theimpact absorbing member ABS and the support unit PT to each other. Thesecond adhesive member A2 may have adhesiveness. For example, the secondadhesive member A2 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

The second adhesive member A2 may include a third adhesive portion A21and a fourth adhesive portion A22. The third adhesive portion A21 andthe fourth adhesive portion A22 may be spaced apart from each other inthe first direction DR1. The third adhesive portion A21 may couple thefirst support portion P1 of the support unit PT and the impact absorbingmember ABS to each other. The fourth adhesive portion A22 may couple thesecond support portion P2 of the support unit PT and the impactabsorbing member ABS to each other.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the folding portion FBP of the display panel DPand the hinge portion LP of the support unit PT may not overlap with thefirst and second adhesive members A1 and A2 when viewed in a plan view.The folding portion FBP and the hinge portion LP may not be coupled tothe first and second adhesive members A1 and A2.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concepts, the first andsecond adhesive members A1 and A2 may be removed from an areaoverlapping with the folding axis FX, and thus a thickness of theelectronic apparatus EA in an area overlapping with the folding portionFBP may be less than thicknesses of the electronic apparatus EA in areasoverlapping with the first and second non-folding portions NFP1 andNFP2. As a result, the folding stress affecting the folding portion FBPand the hinge portion LP may be reduced.

Also, at least one receiving portion RC may be defined in the supportunit PT according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. In thepresent embodiment, two receiving portions RC are defined in the firstsupport portion P1, and two receiving portions RC are defined in thesecond support portion P2.

The receiving portion RC may receive a protrusion CN. The protrusion CNmay penetrate the second adhesive member A2 so as to be connected to theimpact absorbing member ABS. The protrusion CN may protrude from abottom surface of the impact absorbing member ABS and may be received inthe receiving portion RC. The protrusion CN and the impact absorbingmember ABS may constitute a single unitary body shape. Alternatively,the protrusion CN may be physically connected to the impact absorbingmember ABS like a bolt or may be physically connected to the impactabsorbing member ABS through an adhesive member.

The protrusion CN may be provided in plurality, and the protrusions CNmay be received in the receiving portions RC, respectively. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, a planar size of the protrusion CN may be lessthan a planar size of the receiving portion RC. Thus, the protrusion CNmay be laterally movable by a set or predetermined distance GP in thereceiving portion RC. According to the embodiment of the inventiveconcepts, since the protrusion CN is coupled to the impact absorbingmember ABS, lateral movement of the impact absorbing member ABS and thedisplay panel DP physically coupled to the impact absorbing member ABSmay be controlled. Thus, excessive lateral movement of the display unitDU by an external impact may be controlled.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views illustrating an electronic apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. FIG. 5C is across-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5Dis a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ of FIG. 5B. Forthe purpose of ease and convenience in description, FIG. 5A illustratesthe electronic apparatus EA to which an external impact is not applied,and FIG. 5B illustrates an electronic apparatus EA-P to which anexternal impact is applied. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventiveconcepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when an external impact PS is appliedin an arrow direction (FIG. 5A), the electronic apparatus EA may bedeformed into a bent electronic apparatus EA-P. For example, the secondsupport portion P2 may be moved from the first support portion P1 by theexternal impact PS in the direction in which the external impact PS isapplied. In the present embodiment, bent deformation may occur at thesupport unit PT by a difference in movement between the first supportportion P1 and the second support portion P2.

The shape of the bent electronic apparatus EA-P (FIG. 5B) may begenerated by substantially the bent support unit PT-P (from the shape ofthe electronic apparatus EA in FIG. 5B). The shape of the bent supportunit PT-P may be generated because the first support portion P1 or thesecond support portion P2 is instantaneously moved by the externalimpact PS by a clearance inherent in the electronic apparatus EA, forexample, by a clearance according to an assembly tolerance between thehinge portion LP and the first support portion P1 or between the hingeportion LP and the second support portion P2.

Referring to FIG. 5C, before the external impact PS is applied, theprotrusion CN may be received in the receiving portion RC in theelectronic apparatus EA. At this time, the protrusion CN may be disposedat a center of the receiving portion RC.

Referring to FIG. 5D, when the external impact PS is applied, the bentelectronic apparatus EA-P may be concurrently or instantaneouslydeformed such that the second support portion P2 is relatively movedfrom the first support portion P1 in the second direction DR2. At thistime, the display panel DP may be fixed in place due to inertia, and setor predetermined deformation GS may occur at the second adhesive memberA2. The deformation GS of the second adhesive member A2 may correspondto substantially a movement distance of the second support portion P2 inthe second direction DR2 with respect to the first support portion P1.

At this time, the protrusion CN may be in contact with an inner sidewallof the receiving portion RC. The protrusion CN may be connected to theimpact absorbing member ABS and may be substantially physicallyconnected to the display panel DP. Since the protrusion CN is receivedin the receiving portion RC, a movement distance of the display unit DUin a plan view may be controlled in the size of the receiving portionRC.

According to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, even though thelaterally bent deformation occurs at the support unit PT by the externalimpact PS, the display panel DP may be independent of the support unitPT-P, and thus damage of the display panel DP may be reduced orprevented. In addition, according to the embodiment of the inventiveconcepts, the protrusion CN may be received in the receiving portion RC,and thus excessive deformation of the support unit PT may be easilyreduced or prevented. As a result, reliability of the electronicapparatus EA may be improved.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views schematically illustrating a component ofan electronic apparatus according to some embodiments of the inventiveconcepts. FIGS. 7A to 7C are plan views schematically illustrating somecomponents of an electronic apparatus according to some embodiments ofthe inventive concepts. Protrusions and receiving portions areillustrated in FIGS. 6A to 7C. Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventiveconcepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a receiving portion RC1 may haveanother shape other than a circular shape as illustrated above. Here,the receiving portion RC1 may have a quadrilateral shape of whichvertexes are round. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a protrusion CN1A may beprovided in a shape having a length extending in the second directionDR2. The protrusion CN1A may be in contact with an upper side and alower side of the receiving portion RC1 when viewed in a plan view.Thus, lateral movement of the protrusion CN1A in a direction parallel tothe second direction DR2 may be relatively fixed, and lateral movementof the protrusion CN1A in a direction parallel to the first directionDR1 may be relatively fluidly controlled.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, a protrusion CN1B may beprovided in a shape having a length extending in the first directionDR1. The protrusion CN1B may be in contact with a left side and a rightside of the receiving portion RC1 when viewed in a plan view. Thus,lateral movement of the protrusion CN1B in a direction parallel to thefirst direction DR1 may be relatively fixed, and lateral movement of theprotrusion CN1B in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 maybe relatively fluidly controlled.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lateral movement of the protrusionCN1A or CN1B may be controlled as one-directional movement in thedirection parallel to the first direction DR1 or the direction parallelto the second direction DR2. As a result, the shape of the protrusionCN1A or CN1B and/or the shape of the receiving portion RC1 may becontrolled depending on a direction of an external impact applied to theelectronic apparatus, and thus the reliability of the electronicapparatus may be improved.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an electronic apparatus according tosome embodiments of the inventive concepts may further include anelastic member ELA or ELB. The elastic member ELA or ELB may include amaterial having high elastic force, e.g., a spring, a sponge, or adamper. The elastic member ELA or ELB may be disposed in an empty spacebetween the protrusion CN1A or CN1B and the receiving portion RC1 tocontrol movement of the protrusion CN1A or CN1B.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the elastic member ELA may beprovided in plurality, and the elastic members ELA may be disposed inthe empty space between the protrusion CN1A and the receiving portionRC1. The elastic members ELA may be disposed between the left side ofthe receiving portion RC1 and the protrusion CN1A and between the rightside of the receiving portion RC1 and the protrusion CN1A, respectively.Thus, left and right movement of the protrusion CN1A may be relativelyreduced, as compared with the protrusion CN1A illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the elastic member ELB may beprovided in plurality, and the elastic members ELB may be disposed inthe empty space between the protrusion CN1B and the receiving portionRC1. The elastic members ELB may be disposed between the upper side ofthe receiving portion RC1 and the protrusion CN1B and between the lowerside of the receiving portion RC1 and the protrusion CN1B, respectively.Thus, up and down movement of the protrusion CN1B in a plan view may berelatively reduced, as compared with the protrusion CN1B illustrated inFIG. 6B.

In certain embodiments, an elastic member ELs may be disposed in areceiving portion RC having a circular shape, as illustrated in FIG. 7C.Substantially, the elastic member ELs may be disposed in an empty spacebetween the receiving portion RC and the protrusion CN, illustrated inFIG. 4. In the present embodiment, four elastic members ELs may beprovided between the protrusion CN and the inner sidewall of thereceiving portion RC, and thus up, down, left and right movement of theprotrusion CN may be relatively reduced, as compared with the protrusionCN illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views illustrating electronic apparatusesaccording to some embodiments of the inventive concepts. FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate areas corresponding to FIG. 3A for the purpose of ease andconvenience in description. Hereinafter, some embodiments of theinventive concepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.In addition, the same components as described with reference to FIGS. 1Ato 7C will be indicated by the same reference designators, and thedescriptions thereof will not be provided again for the purpose of easeand convenience in description and understanding.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the numbers of receiving portions RC andprotrusions CN in an electronic apparatus EA-A may be more than thenumbers of the receiving portions RC and the protrusions CN in theelectronic apparatus EA illustrated in FIG. 3A. Sizes of the receivingportion RC and the protrusion CN may be different from the sizes of thereceiving portion RC and the protrusion CN of FIG. 3A. However,embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 8B, a receiving portion RC2 may be provided in abar or groove shape having a length extending in the second directionDR2. A protrusion CN2 may be provided in a bar shape having a lengthextending in the second direction DR2 such that the shape of theprotrusion CN2 corresponds to (e.g., matches) the shape of the receivingportion RC2. A length and a width of the protrusion CN2 may be designedin such a way that a separation distance between the protrusion CN2 andthe receiving portion RC2 in the first direction DR1 is equal to aseparation distance between the protrusion CN2 and the receiving portionRC2 in the second direction DR2. Thus, lateral movement of the displayunit DU by an external impact applied to an electronic apparatus EA-Bmay be easily controlled, and reliability of the electronic apparatusEA-B may be improved.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating electronicapparatuses according to some embodiments of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate areas corresponding to FIG. 3B for the purposeof ease and convenience in description. Hereinafter, embodiments of theinventive concepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C.In addition, the same components as described with reference to FIGS. 1Ato 8B will be indicated by the same reference designators, and thedescriptions thereof will be omitted for the purpose of ease andconvenience in description and illumination.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, in an electronic apparatus EA-C, a supportunit PT1 may include the first support portion P1 and the second supportportion P2. In the support unit PT1, the hinge portion LP of FIG. 3B maybe omitted. Thus, areas of the display unit corresponding to thenon-folding portions NFP1 and NFP2 (see FIG. 2A) of the display panel DPmay be supported by the support unit PT1, but an area of the displayunit corresponding to the folding portion FBP (see FIG. 2A) may notoverlap with the support unit PT1 when viewed in a plan view.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, in an electronic apparatus EA-D orEA-E, an impact absorbing member ABS1 or ABS2 may include a plurality oflayers. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the electronic apparatusEA-D may include the impact absorbing member ABS1 including a firstlayer L1 and a second layer L2. The protrusion CN may be connected tothe first layer L1.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the electronic apparatus EA-Emay include the impact absorbing member ABS2 including a first layer L1,a second layer L2 and a third layer L3, which are sequentially stackedin the third direction DR3. The protrusion CN may be connected to thefirst layer L1.

Since the impact absorbing member ABS1 or ABS2 includes the plurality oflayers, characteristics of reducing or relaxing an impact thereof may beimproved. As a result, an impact transmitted to the display panel DPthrough the support unit PT1 may be reduced to improve stability of thedisplay panel DP.

In addition, since the impact absorbing member ABS1 or ABS2 includes theplurality of layers, folding stress may be dispersed in the layers.Thus, folding characteristics of the impact absorbing member ABS1 orABS2 may be improved as compared with the case in which the impactabsorbing member is a single layer.

FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. FIGS.10B and 10C are plan views illustrating electronic apparatuses accordingto some embodiments of the inventive concepts. FIG. 10D is across-sectional view of the electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG.10A. FIG. 10B illustrates a plan view of the electronic apparatus EA-1illustrated in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C illustrates a plan view of anelectronic apparatus EA-2 according to an embodiment of the inventiveconcepts. FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′of FIG. 10B. Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concepts will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10D, the electronic apparatus EA-1may further include a guide portion DM. The guide portion DM may bedisposed on the support unit PT. For example, the guide portion DM maybe disposed on each of the first and second support portions P1 and P2.The guide portion DM may be spaced apart from the display unit DU whenviewed in a plan view. The guide portion DM may be disposed at aposition surrounding each of four vertexes of the display unit DU.

In the present embodiment, the guide portion DM may control lateralmovement of the display unit DU to be within a set or predeterminedrange. For example, the guide portion DM may be spaced apart from thedisplay unit DU by a first distance GP-11 in the first direction DR1 andmay be spaced apart from the display unit DU by a second distance GP-12in the second direction DR2. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, the guideportion DM may have a height equal to a thickness of the display unitDU. Thus, undesired movement of the display unit DU (e.g., the displaypanel DP) may be stably blocked or prevented. However, embodiments ofthe inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In another embodiment,the height of the guide portion DM may be less than the thickness of thedisplay unit DU.

According to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, even though aclearance occurs between the first support portion P1 and the secondsupport portion P2 by an external impact, lateral movement of thedisplay unit DU may be controlled in the first distance GP-11 or thesecond distance GP-12, thereby reducing or preventing damage of thedisplay unit DU.

Alternatively, in the electronic apparatus EA-2, a shape of a guideportion DM1 may be variously modified, as illustrated in FIG. 10C. Theguide portion DM1 may be provided in plurality, and the guide portionsDM1 may have bar shapes extending along edges of the display unit DU.Thus, damage of the display unit DU by an external impact may be reducedor prevented, and reliability of the electronic apparatus EA-2 may beimproved.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are images showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to a comparative example of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 12A and 12B are images showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to a comparative example of the inventive concepts.FIGS. 13A and 13B are images showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts. Anelectronic apparatus EX shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B may correspond to theelectronic apparatus EA-1 illustrated in FIG. 10A.

FIGS. 11A to 13B are images showing degrees of deformation of insulating(e.g., encapsulation) layers 50 (see FIG. 2B) in color after fallexperiments at the same height. The images show panel TFE principalstrains. The principal strain may become lower as a color becomes closerto a blue color, and the principal strain may become higher as a colorbecomes closer to a red color. Hereinafter, the inventive concepts willbe described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 13B.

A comparative example CM illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B may have astructure in which the impact absorbing member ABS, the second adhesivemember A2, and the guide portion DM are omitted, as compared with theelectronic apparatus EA-1 of FIG. 10A. As a result of the fallexperiment of the comparative example CM, the principal strain of anarea corresponding to the folding portion FBP is high. Here, thegenerated principal strain of the folding portion FBP is about 0.97%.According to the images of FIGS. 11A and 11B, it may be recognized thatthe folding portion FBP is greatly deformed by an external impact causedby the fall of the comparative example CM.

A comparative example CM1 illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B may have astructure in which the guide portion DM is omitted, as compared with theelectronic apparatus EA-1 of FIG. 10A. In other words, the comparativeexample CM1 may further include the impact absorbing member ABS and thesecond adhesive member A2, as compared with the comparative example CMillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

As a result of the fall experiment of the comparative example CM1, thefolding portion FBP is deformed. However, the principal strain of thefolding portion FBP of the comparative example CM1 is lower than that ofthe folding portion FBP of the comparative example CM of FIGS. 11A and11B. The principal strain of the folding portion FBP of the comparativeexample CM1 is about 0.57%. According to the images of FIGS. 12A and12B, the degrees of deformation of the folding portion FBP and an areaaround the folding portion FBP may be somewhat reduced by the impactabsorbing member ABS (see FIG. 10A), but some degree of the deformationmay remain.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, it may be recognized that the foldingportion FBP is hardly deformed in the electronic apparatus EX accordingto the embodiment of the inventive concepts, as compared with thecomparative examples CM and CM1. The principal strain of the foldingportion FBP of the electronic apparatus EX is about 0.10%. In otherwords, according to the embodiment of the inventive concepts, theelectronic apparatus EA-1 may further include the guide portion DM, andthus damage of the display panel DP by an external impact may beprevented and the reliability of the electronic apparatus EA-1 may beimproved.

According to the embodiments of the inventive concepts, even thoughlaterally bent or twisted deformation occurs at the support unit of theelectronic apparatus by an external impact, deformation of the displaypanel may be reduced or prevented. Thus, the reliability of theelectronic apparatus may be improved.

While the inventive concepts have been described with reference toexample embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirits and scopes of the inventive concepts. Therefore, itshould be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, butillustrative. Thus, the scopes of the inventive concepts are to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a displaypanel comprising a folding portion overlapping with a folding axis ofthe display panel, a first non-folding portion, and a second non-foldingportion, the first and second non-folding portions being spaced apartfrom each other with the folding portion interposed therebetween; asupport unit comprising a first support portion overlapping with thefirst non-folding portion and a second support portion overlapping withthe second non-folding portion and spaced apart from the first supportportion; an impact absorbing member interposed between the display paneland the support unit and coupled to the display panel; an adhesivemember interposed between the impact absorbing member and the supportunit to couple the impact absorbing member and the support unit to eachother; a receiving portion defined in at least one of the first supportportion or the second support portion; and a protrusion connected to theimpact absorbing member and arranged in the receiving portion, whereinthe protrusion is less in planar area than that of the receivingportion.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesivemember comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
 3. The electronicapparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a circular shape whenviewed in a plan view.
 4. The electronic apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe protrusion is spaced apart from an inner sidewall of the receivingportion.
 5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusionhas a bar shape extending in one direction when viewed in a plan view.6. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is incontact with an inner sidewall of the receiving portion in the onedirection and is spaced apart from an inner sidewall of the receivingportion in another direction crossing the one direction.
 7. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an elastic memberarranged in the receiving portion and interposed between the protrusionand an inner sidewall of the receiving portion.
 8. The electronicapparatus of claim 7, wherein the elastic member is higher in elasticforce than that of the protrusion.
 9. The electronic apparatus of claim1, wherein the protrusion is connected directly to the impact absorbingmember.
 10. The electronic apparatus of claim 9, wherein the protrusionpenetrates the adhesive member.
 11. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,wherein the support unit further comprises a hinge portion overlappingwith the folding portion and connecting the first support portion andthe second support portion, and wherein the first support portion andthe second support portion are foldable at the hinge portion.
 12. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the adhesive member is spacedapart from the hinge portion when viewed in a plan view.
 13. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing member islower in elastic modulus than that of the support unit.
 14. Anelectronic apparatus comprising: a display panel comprising a foldingportion overlapping with a folding axis, a first non-folding portion,and a second non-folding portion, the first and second non-foldingportions being spaced apart from each other with the folding portioninterposed therebetween and each being connected to the folding portion;a support unit comprising a first support portion arranged under thefirst non-folding portion, and a second support portion arranged underthe second non-folding portion and spaced apart from the first supportportion; an impact absorbing member interposed between the display paneland the support unit and coupled to the display panel; an adhesivemember interposed between the impact absorbing member and the supportunit to couple the impact absorbing member and the support unit to eachother; and a guide portion arranged on each of the first and secondsupport portions, wherein the guide portion is spaced apart from thedisplay panel and the adhesive member when viewed in a plan view. 15.The electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the guide portion has abar shape facing an edge of the display panel and extending in adirection parallel to the edge, when viewed in a plan view.
 16. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the guide portion has a shapewhich is spaced apart from a vertex of the display panel and is bent tosurround two edges of the display panel, when viewed in a plan view. 17.The electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the guide portion isprovided in plurality, and wherein the plurality of the guide portionsare arranged along edges of the display panel.
 18. The electronicapparatus of claim 14, wherein the support unit further comprises ahinge portion overlapping with the folding portion and connecting thefirst support portion and the second support portion, and wherein theadhesive member non-overlaps with the hinge portion when viewed in aplan view.
 19. The electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein theadhesive member comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
 20. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the impact absorbing member islower in elastic modulus than that of the support unit.